Obituaries Archive

Virginia L. Uthe

Virginia L. Uthe, age 84, of Johnson Creek, WI, and formerly of Dubuque, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Sunset Ridge Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Virginia’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road. To honor Virginia’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Thomas L. Heathershaw officiating. Private burial services will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Virginia was born on December 3, 1935, in Dubuque, daughter of Charles C. and Isabel J. (Pauly) Earle.

First and foremost, Virginia was a loving mother to her 4 children, Janet Uthe of Middleton, WI; Mark (Deb) Uthe of Manchester, IA; Diane (Kurt) Trimborn of Johnson Creek, WI; and Linda (Kevin) Miller of Center Point, IA.  During her free time, Virginia enjoyed reading, playing cards, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, sewing and crocheting.  Her numerous handmade creations will be forever cherished by her family.

Besides her 4 children, Virginia is survived by the following people who loved her; her 14 grandchildren: Jennifer Uthe, Patrick (Lindsay) Kramer, Steve (Lauren) Trimborn, Amanda (Brennan) Melloy, Molly Kramer, Charlie Uthe, McKenna Miller, Garrett Trimborn, Reece Miller, Nickolas Uthe and Kaitlyn Uthe.  Her 5 great-grandchildren: Braelyn, Kinley and Lydia Henning, Hadley Melloy and Austin Kramer.  Virginia was excited to learn about another great-grandchild due in August.  Her brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Karen Earle and her sister-in-law, Rosemary Uthe, all of Dubuque.  And many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Virginia was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Frederick T. Uthe; her parents; 2 brothers, Charles and James; a sister, Mary Jane; her maternal and paternal grandparents; 2 sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you the staff at Sunset Ridge Assisted Living for their unwavering care and friendship this past year to Virginia and her family.  They would also like the nurses and staff at Rainbow Hospice of Johnson Creek to know how grateful they are for the care and comfort that they gave Virginia and her family these last few weeks.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com

Ernest W. Thoma

Ernest W. Thoma, 86, of Saint Donatus, Iowa passed away Tuesday February 18, 2020 at MercyOne in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Saint Donatus Catholic Church in Saint Donatus, Iowa with Fr. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 24, 2020 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a parish wake service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends may also gather after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of mass.

Ernest was born on January 18, 1934 in Dubuque Iowa the son of Joseph and Frances (Meisenburg) Thoma. He farmed and lived his whole life in Saint Donatus. He married Alice M. Kerstein on February 27, 1960 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in East Dubuque, IL, and together they shared 54 years together until her passing on July 4, 2014.

Ernest’s life revolved around his passion for farming and his family. He farmed with the help of his wife and family. His farm was a complete operation with dairy cows, beef cattle, hogs and other various animals along with raising the crops to keep them fed. He instilled in his family a great work ethic and family values that continues today. He loved to be around children, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren,  he would proudly share with them the farm history and tell stories about farming. All who knew Ernest will sadly miss him.

Ernest is survived by his five daughters, Wanda Thoma, Nancy Merfeld, Karen Thoma, Rebecca (Barry) Cox and Ellen Pfohl; three sons John (Kelly) Thoma, Earl (Jacki Schilling) Thoma and Scott (Christine Dobelmann) Thoma; 25 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren with 2 more expected soon; his two sisters Bernice Pottebaum and Patricia Klaas; three brothers Donald (Bertha) Thoma, Francis (Mary) Thoma and Richard Thoma; his sister-in-law Betsy Thoma, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Frances; his wife Alice; a son Ernest Thoma Jr.; five brothers William, Arnold, Joseph, Victor, and Larry; one sister, Marie Barth; two brothers-in law Alfred Barth, Louis Pottebaum and Edwin Klaas; four sisters in-law Viola, Phyllis, Edna, and Ethel Thoma.

In lieu of flowers an Ernest Thoma memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of MercyOne especially Beth and Brianna for all the care they gave to Ernest.

Betty J. Kunz

Betty J. (Bruhn) Kunz, age 106, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 4:43 a.m., on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center.  To celebrate Betty’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. To honor Betty’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Betty was born on December 22, 1913, in Mahaska County, Iowa, adopted daughter of 2 sisters, Emma and Minnie Bruhn.

Betty lived in Dubuque from the time she was very young.  She was adopted by 2 sisters who owned several rental properties, which Betty began helping to care for at a young age and continued caring for until recent months.  Betty was united in marriage to George W. Kunz on May 28, 1949, in Marion, Missouri.  They were blessed with 22 years together and an adored daughter, before he was sadly called home ahead of her in May of 1971.  Betty was a staple all over the downtown area, making her rounds and stopping at all of her favorite stores.  She enjoyed collecting knick-knacks and had a weekly dusting routine, that often couldn’t wait until someone got there to help her.  Betty was an active person her whole life, continuing to do her own yard work until the tender young age of 102.  She always had something to do.  She also enjoyed going out to eat, with Bishop’s being one of her favorite restaurants, as well as the buffet at the casino.  When Betty did take some time to stop and relax she enjoyed watching diy and survivalist shows and anything that had to do with the Alaskan Frontier.  She was also a die hard republican and was not afraid to make her opinion on the issues known.  We are grateful for the 106 years that Betty has graced this earth, and can only imagine all the changes she has seen throughout those years.  Betty we will miss you and love you forever.

Those left to cherish Betty’s memory include

her grandchildren,
Clayton (Sue) George, Anamosa, IA,
Bruce (Sherry) George, Minnesota,
Steve George, Dubuque, IA,
Chris George, Dubuque, IA
and Renee White, Florida;

her great-grandchildren,
Emilia, Melody, Ruby, Sophia, Savannah, Shane, Rachel, Shannon, Dillon and Ariel;

and several great great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her adopted parents; her husband, George Kunz; a daughter, Georgia Mae (Edwin) George.

Betty’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Stonehill, especially Sarah and Tina, and to Beth, Connie and Marni from Sunnycrest, for all of the wonderful care they have provided to Betty these past months.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among her favorite charities.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com

Robert M. Loeffelholz

Robert M. “Bob” Loeffelholz, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at ManorCare in Dubuque.

A Memorial Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City, Wisconsin, with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in Saint Rose of Lima Cemetery in Cuba City. Family and friends may call from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home before the service.

Bob was born on May 21, 1940, the son of John and Colette (Staver) Loeffelholz. He graduated from Cuba City High School in 1958. He entered the Army during the Vietnam Era as an electronic spy in Germany. After four years in service, he worked downtown Dubuque as a technician fixing typewriters, cash registers, and more. After retirement, he continued his passion of repairing machines and began a small business out of his home. Bob enjoyed competing in pool tournaments and sharing his musical talent on his keyboard with his kids and grandkids. He was a very social and humorous person. He enjoyed spending his free time with his friends at the casino and watching the dog races. He also loved taking pictures of his friends and family and creating photo albums to share and reminisce. Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his children, Lisa Loeffelholz and Brian Loeffelholz, both of Shullsburg, WI; his sisters, Joan Wright, Cuba City, WI, Susan (Paul) Droessler, Stoughton, WI, and Lynn (Ron) Deiter, Ames, IA; his brother, Jim (Pat) Loeffelholz, Cuba City, WI; a sister-in-law, Betty Loeffelholz, Cuba City, WI; a brother-in-law, Bill Wetter, Deforest, WI; his grandchildren, Shawna (Andrew) Skog, Darlington, WI, Jena Foulker, Appleton, WI, Jason Lietzinger and Kaleb Leitzinger, both of Shullsburg, WI; and his great-grandchildren, Vincent and Tessa Skog, Darlington, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Becky Wetter and Debbie Loeffelholz; and two brothers, John Loeffelholz Jr. and Donald “Beanie” Loeffelholz.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.

Virgil G. Bradley

Virgil Gordon Bradley, 74, of LaMotte, passed away in peace on February 19, 2020 at home surrounded by his family.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2020 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2155 University Ave Dubuque, IA with Rev. Loren Shellabarger officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Monday until time of service at the church. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Virgil was born in Zwingle, Iowa the son of Dorothy and Gordon Bradley. He was the oldest of five children and grew up working on his parent’s farm. He attended school at East Saint Joes, a one room schoolhouse until the eighth grade; and graduated in 1963 at Senior High School. After high school he and his best friend Donnie Schmitt joined the Iowa National Guard. Virgil served Company A 133rd Infantry from 1963-1969.

Virgil had a love for the farm, the land and operating farm equipment. In 1978 he began with a strong work ethic and passion for heavy equipment allowing him to later start his own construction business.

Virgil enjoyed traveling the country and easily made new friends wherever he went. Always being open minded he never passed judgment on anyone. Amongst his passion for his farm and business his greatest love was his children and grandchildren. Passing on life values, knowledge and a foundation for generations to come.

He is preceded in death by his parents Gordon and Dorothy Bradley.

Virgil is survived by his three children, Lucretia Buxton (Bradley), Elizabeth Townsend (Bradley) and Richard Harrison Bradley. His five grandchildren include Paul, Claire, Paisley, Evelyn and Mitchell. His siblings, Linda Pearson, Gordon (Connie) Bradley, Daryl Bradley and Colleen (Owen) Lindstrom.

Sister Joan Stritesky, BVM (Magdaletta)

Sister Joan Stritesky, BVM (Magdaletta), 91, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Caritas Center.

Visitation will be from 9-10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 10:15 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Joan was an elementary teacher and/or principal in Des Moines and Council Bluffs, Iowa; Rock Island, Ill.; Memphis, Tenn.; Boulder, Colo.; and San Francisco. She ministered as an educational consultant for the Diocese of Memphis, the director of elementary schools for the Archdiocese of Denver; and a counselor for the Family Life Office of the Diocese of Des Moines. She was a religious education instructor in Elmwood, Ill., and served the congregation as coordinator of BVM Associate Program.

She was born on May 6, 1928, in Chicago to Frank W. and Gertrude Hagerty Stritesky. She entered the BVM congregation Sept 8, 1946, from Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, Cicero, Ill. She professed first vows on March 19, 1949, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1954.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Muriel Stritesky and June Kowal; and brothers Robert and John Stritesky.

She is survived by a sister Shirley Boone, Irving, Texas; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 73 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Homes, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52002 is in charge of arrangements.

Nancy M. (Ferguson) Roe

Nancy M. (Ferguson) Roe, 79, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at Unity Point-Health Finley Hospital.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 24, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. A visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue and again Monday morning from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Nancy was born February 16, 1941 in Dubuque, the daughter of Dick and Margaret (Strong) Ferguson. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. Nancy married Joseph G. Roe on May 6, 1961 at Church of the Nativity in Dubuque, he passed on March 7, 2003. She worked at the Pony Club before her marriage and then helped her husband with their Porta-Potty Business and raised their family. Nancy was diagnosed at a very young age with Multiple Sclerosis with 4 young daughters. She faced every day with strength and determination. Life was never easy, but she never complained. Nancy was independent, strong willed, and dedicated to her family. She was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Kim (Rick) Galloway of Bellevue, Kay (Joe) Simon of Epworth, Kathy (Gary) Clemen of Dubuque, and Tami (Dave) Michel of Bellevue; 8 grandchildren, Kurtis, Chris, Jennifer, Michael, Kyle, Heather, Justin, and Austin; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Sharon) Ferguson of Dubuque, Robert (Iyla) Ferguson of Long Grove, and James (Bonnie) Ferguson of Dubuque; a brother in-law, Richard Kemp; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Margaret “Peggy” Kemp, and Mary Ellen (Richard) Fondell; and a sister in-law, Bonita Roe.

A memorial fund has been established in Nancy’s memory.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Daniel R. Hefel

Daniel R. Hefel, 68 of East Dubuque, IL passed away on February 18, 2020 at UnityPoint – Finley Hospital.

Funeral service for Dan will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2020 Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Father Peter Snieg officiating.  Family and friends may visit after 9:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home until time of service.

Dan was born on March 10, 1951 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Harold and Lorraine (Dix) Hefel.   He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1969.

He married Kathleen Maus, the love of his life, on September 28, 1973 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on March 21, 2018.

Dan worked for Dubuque John Deere Works for 31 years retiring in 2002.

He best enjoyed his time with his wife, whether it be enjoying their rides through Eagle Point Park, down by the Mississippi River or relaxing together at home.

Family was most important to Dan; his children meant the world to him. He always loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. His bond with his siblings remained very strong and he always cherished their company.

Dan’s quick-witted sense of humor and generosity never ceased, he always put others before himself. He was an avid NASCAR and baseball fan following the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. His love of baseball led him to coach little league baseball for many years.

Dan is survived by his devoted children, Jolene (Jason) Timmerman, Nicole Hefel, Danielle (Mike) McGurn, and Brian Hefel and special granddaughter, Samantha Fries. Grandchildren, Austin and Tyler Timmerman, Kristin and Abigail Fries, Annika Hefel and Peityn McGurn, great grandchildren Sophia, Journey and Laklynn.

Siblings, Richard (Mary Ann) Hefel, Donna (Vern) Husemann, Marvin Hefel, Eldon (Janet) Hefel, Laurinda Hefel OSF, Delaine (Joe) Gartner, Doris (Terry) Gartner, Russ (Chris) Hefel, and Debbie (Richard) Folk. His in-laws, Mike Maus, Luann (Steve) Hurst, Peggy (Mark) Bagstad, and Billy (Angie) Maus along with many nieces and nephews.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kathy, siblings, Dixie and Jerry Rapp, Eileen Hefel, and Hal and Judy Hefel.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

A very special thank you to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, ACS Hope Lodge and the 5th Floor Medical Unit at Finley Hospital for all their wonderful care. Also, to his sister Debbie who served as caregiver in his final days.

Eileen D. Yutzy

Eileen Delores Yutzy, 87, of Dubuque, died Sunday, February 16, 2020, at Texas Health Presbyterian in Denton, Texas. The funeral service for Mrs. Yutzy will be 11:00 AM Friday, February 21, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Eileen was born March 24, 1932, in Roseau, MN, the daughter of Rudolph L. and Viola M. Bradley Anderson. On April 28, 1958, she married Lester J. Yutzy in Rockford, IL. He passed away July 16, 2018. Eileen worked in clerical and management throughout her life. She managed Hillcrest Apartments until retirement in 2000. She was active at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church as office manager, Sunday school teacher, and various committees. She enjoyed singing in choir, reading, and was passionate about crocheting. She also loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, friends, and wintering in Florida.

Survivors include one son, John (Linda) Yutzy of Iowa City; three daughters, Kathleen (Jim) Oldham of Chapin, SC, Robin Buchanan of Overland Park, KS, and Donna (Bill) Rector of Flower Mound, TX; six grandchildren, Emma, Olivia, and Nicholas Yutzy, and Katie, Kirby, and Charlie Rector, and two brothers, Arlynn L. Anderson, and Earle D. Anderson.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Eileen’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Antonios P. Laouras

Antonios P. “Tony” Laouras, age 78 of Dubuque, Iowa, and formerly of Chicago, Illinois, completed his earthly journey on February 17, 2020 at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To celebrate Tony’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville, Illinois.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tony’s family.

Tony was born on January 30, 1942 in Athens, Greece.  He eventually made his way to Hawaii to begin his education after serving in the Greek Army.  While working on his Bachelors degree, Tony met the love of his life, Leona Kowalski.  She was a transplant professor who just happened to be in the right place at the right time when Tony stepped into her classroom.  The two have been blessed with 50 years together, both completing their Masters degrees and working in the English departments in education.  Tony has graced the teacher’s desk at Glenbrook South High School, College of Lake County, and Harper College before officially retiring from it all in 2010.  Teaching and mentoring was not just a job to Tony, it was his life’s work and his legacy. The only thing Tony valued more than teaching and learning was family, and so he and his wife moved to Dubuque to be close to his daughter and granddaughters.  We will miss Tony more than words could ever convey and we will treasure every memory we possess until we see our wonderful husband, father and grandfather again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tony include,

his beautiful bride,
Leona Laouras, Asbury, Iowa;

his beloved daughter,
Stephanie Laouras Prine, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 2 adored granddaughters,
Esther Leigh Prine and Olive Jean Prine;

along with numerous extended family, friends, neighbors and students.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents.

Tony’s family would like to thank Dr. Hermann, along with the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, for all of the professional and compassionate care of Tony, and his family.

Online condolences may be shared with Tony’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Dr. Daniel H. Smith

Dr. Daniel Harold Smith, 86, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at the MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday, February 21, 2020, at Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel, 2843 John F. Kennedy Rd. The Funeral Service for Dr. Smith will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Emmaus Bible College, 2570 Asbury Rd., with Dr. James Callahan and Dr. Jack Fish officiating. Burial will be in Asbury Cemetery.  Full military honors will be rendered by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Dan was born June 6, 1933, in Saint Louis County, MO, the son of Harold Sturdy and Helen Julie Vouga Smith. On August 9, 1958, he married Martha Maria Carrera in Chicago.  He was a graduate of Kirkwood High School and Midwest Bible Seminary, both in Saint Louis, MO, Greenville College in Greenville, IL, University of Missouri in Columbia, MO and Loyola University in Chicago, IL, where he received his doctorate in EdD. He was a U.S. Marine Veteran, serving during the Korean War from 1950 until 1953. Dr. Smith was the President of Emmaus Bible College from 1976 – 2013, the fourth president in the college’s history. He began teaching at Emmaus Bible College in Oak Park, IL in 1959 and moved with the college to Dubuque in 1984. As President of the Emmaus Bible College, he still taught a full load of classes. He served as Chancellor to the college from 2013 until his passing.

He shared the Word of God all over the world as a gifted evangelist, teacher, and counselor. He was a member of Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel, serving on oversight as an Elder for decades. He was Chaplain for the Dubuque Police and Sheriff Departments since 2013. He had served on various boards, including Emmaus Bible College, Emmaus Worldwide, Believer’s Stewardship Services, Association for Biblical Higher Education, and Evangelical Training Association. He was musically talented and played trumpet in the Marine Corps Band and sang in a barbershop quartet.

He loved fishing, hunting, collecting knives and guns, woodworking, and vegetable gardening.

Survivors include his wife, Martha; one son, John Daniel (Lori Ann) Smith of Dubuque; two daughters, Grace Marie Smith of Chicago, IL, and Anita Mae (James Patrick) Callahan; eight grandchildren, Bess Virginia Callahan, Hannah Elizabeth (Elliott) Harrington, James Patrick Callahan Jr., Bethany Grace Smith, Dora Mae Callahan, John Daniel (Kate) Smith Jr., Linda Blyer Callahan, and Jane Maria Callahan; two brothers, Robert (Deanna) Smith of Cedar Falls, IA, and brother, David (Karen) Smith of Salina, KS; one sister, Jean Winter of Greenville, SC; one sister-in-law Judy Smith of Union, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Daniel Harold Smith Jr., one brother, Philip Smith, and one brother-in-law, Paul Winter.

The family thanks the medical staff at MercyOne, and their Emmaus Bible College and Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel families. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Emmaus Bible College.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Dan’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Mark W. Maiers

Mark William Maiers, 64, of Sherrill, Iowa died Saturday, February 8, 2020, at his home in Stuttgart, Germany.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday, February 21, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The funeral service for Mark will be 10:30 AM Saturday, February 22, 2020, at the Grand River Center with Rev. Karen Candee as the officiant. Full military honors will be rendered.

Mark was born November 9, 1955, in Dubuque, the son of Joseph G. “Joe” and Shirley A. Hefel Maiers. On November 21, 2018, he married Bora Sayginer in Charlottesville, VA.

Mark joined the United States Army on February 13, 1975. He served for 28 years and completed multiple tours overseas including distinguished service during Operation Desert Storm. Mark retired from the Army on December 31, 2002 as a Colonel. His military career took him all over the world, but he spent many years living and working in Germany. Although he retired from the military, he continued to work for the military as a civilian contractor.  Mark had an avid passion for history and preservation. In 2000, he purchased the Sherrill Mount House and completed a full restoration of the property. The Mount House now operates as the Black Horse Inn in Sherrill, IA, a source of great pride for Mark and his family. He enjoyed cooking, traveling, entertaining friends and family, and, above all, cherished time spent with family.

Survivors include his spouse, Bora; one daughter, Claire (Peter D’Elia) Maiers of Charlottesville, VA; one son, Zac (Danielle) Maiers of Denver, CO; one brother, Tom (Deb) Maiers of Farley; four sisters, June (Jay Towe) Maiers of Solon, Ruth (Dick Griffin) Hinzmann of Platteville, Beth (Nick) Kaufmann of Sherrill, Bonnie Maiers of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Genevieve and Gregory Mark D’Elia; his former wife, Shari Maiers of Colorado Springs, CO, and several nieces and nephews all of whom he loved dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Mark’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Wilbur “Sheldon” Davis

Wilbur “Sheldon” Davis, 81, of Delhi Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, February 21, 2020, at the United Methodist Church in Delhi, with Pastor Keith Pitts officiating. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., on Friday, February 21, 2020, at the United Methodist Church in Delhi. Interment with Military Rites will take place at Hopkinton City Cemetery in Hopkinton, Iowa

He was born on March 12, 1938, north of Hopkinton, the son of Lee and Emma (Wolfe) Davis. He was raised in the Hopkinton and Delhi areas and graduated from Delhi High School. Sheldon served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1956 until his discharge in 1960. He then attended and graduated from Upper Iowa College with a Bachelor of Science degree. Sheldon also received his Master’s degree from Missouri State University.

On July 28, 1962, Sheldon was united in marriage to Betty Fischer at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Garnavillo. Two daughters were born to this marriage. Sheldon worked at the U.S. Fish Hatchery near Manchester. Sheldon was a teacher for 31 years and taught 6th grade in Hopkinton for his entire career. Sheldon farmed for most of his life and enjoyed selling produce from his farm stand.

Sheldon was a longtime member of the Delhi United Methodist Church. He was an active member of the MVEA, ISEA, NEA, and was a negotiator through the JDC UniServ for the Maquoketa Valley School District. Sheldon enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and gardening. He liked spending time outdoors. Sheldon loved his family and spending time with them.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Betty Davis of Delhi; his two daughters, Glenda Davis (Al Leemhuis) and Shelly Davis of Delhi; one brother, Robert “Bob” (Bev) Davis of Delhi; one sister, Sharon (Leon) Beitz of Hopkinton; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Davis and Sharon Davis, both of Hopkinton; and several nieces and nephews.

Sheldon was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Dale Brown, Wayne Davis, Donald David, in infancy, and David Davis; and his sister, Donna Lux.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Sidney F. Potter

Sidney F. Potter, 75, of Shullsburg, Wisconsin, and formerly of Canton, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020 at Southwest Health Center in Platteville, Wisconsin.

A service celebrating his life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Monday, February 24, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Friends and family may gather in remembrance of Sidney from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Monday, February 24, 2020, in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation rites have been accorded and Burial will be at the Canton, Iowa Cemetery at a later date.

Sidney Fay Potter was born on April 28, 1944 in Canton, Iowa, to Melvin and Esther (Smith) Potter. He grew up in the Canton area. He married Judy Ann McPherson on August 14, 1965 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Sidney had worked on the High-Line for 35 years as a lineman member of the IBEW. He enjoyed hunting deer and squirrel, fishing for catfish, gambling, and stock car racing in his earlier years.

Those left to honor Sidney’s memory include his wife, Judy McPherson of Shullsburg, WI; children, Tina Keeney-Tate of Shullsburg, WI, and Tony (Kathryn) Keeney of Oxford Junction, IA; brothers, Fred (Brenda) Potter of Canton, IA, and Jack Potter of Maquoketa, IA; 5 grandchildren, Kurtis T. Keeney, Joseph J. Keeney, Ron A. Carr, Timothy D. Keeney, and Jonathan R. Keeney; and 6 great-grandchildren, Amy, Samantha, James, Winter, Willow, and Natalie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Raymond, Arnold, Bobbie and Ronnie.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Sidney F. Potter memorial fund.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Ione M. Smith

Ione Marie Smith, 90, of East Moline, IL, formerly of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully at the Clarissa Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, IA on Saturday morning February 15, 2020.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2020 at Saint Raphael’s Cathedral with Rev. Gregory Bahl officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Friday at the church until time of mass. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA is in charge of arrangements.

Ione Marie Smith was born August 15, 1929 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Nicolas & Mathilda Freiburger. She married Thomas Solomon Smith, Jr., her best friend and love of her life for 55 years, on January 7, 1950.

Ione was one of a kind. She had a beautiful smile and a wonderful sense of humor. She was an excellent hostess to many friends and family, especially those from John Deere who worked with her husband. She welcomed all who visited her home with out-of-this world meals and drink aplenty. She took great pleasure in cooking and baking. In her earlier years, she was adept at playing softball and volleyball. She was a skilled archer and bowler. She had a great love of the outdoors and caught many a fish. She was quite proficient at playing Euchre and enjoyed watching NFL football games and NASCAR races.

Surviving are two daughters, Cynthia (Mark) Croxdale of Paris, TN and Shelley Smith Sanders of Sarasota, FL, and a granddaughter Sunshine Sanders of Sarasota, FL, a sister Marcella Konzen of Dubuque, IA and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mathilda Freiburger Weber and Nickolas Weber, her only son, Gregory Smith, two sisters, Rosemary Schmidt and Mathilda Beadle and two brothers William Weber and Nickolas Weber.

The family requests no flowers. Memorial donations may be made to your favorite charitable organization.